Breitling

1972 Breitling Navitimer Gold Cap (Ref. 7806) "Twin Jets" Dial

$ 3,450

First introduced in 1954, the Breitling Navitimer was the direct successor to the 1942 Breitling Chronomat and is truly something special when it comes to high-powered functionality in aviation watches. The Navitimer took the original slide rule bezel from the Chronomat and evolved it into a navigational computer for Pilots. This groundbreaking bezel can be used to calculate flight times, distance traveled, airspeed, ascent and descent rates, fuel-burning rates, and even has a metric conversion tool.

The first Navitimers housed a Valjoux 72 movement and were only available through the AOPA (Aircraft Owner and Pilot Association). However, this changed in 1956 when Breitling transitioned to a Venus cal. 178 chronograph movement and opened the ref. 806 to the general public for purchase. Breitling differentiated the general public Navitimers with the now-classic Twin Jets logo while preserving the AOPA logo for the Navitimers still sold through the Aircraft Owner and Pilot Association.

Breitling 806 Advertisement

The Navitimer Ref. 7806 followed directly after the famed Cal. 178-powered models, introducing a number of notable updates. Most importantly, it was the first Navitimer to feature a date complication, discreetly positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock. Powering the watch was the Valjoux Cal. 7740, a reliable cam-operated chronograph movement. The reference also introduced the bold “big eyes” sub-dial configuration, with running seconds now displayed at 6 o’clock—giving the dial a more balanced and modern look while maintaining the Navitimer’s unmistakable identity.

SPECS

Stock # BRL7806
Brand Breitling
Style Navitimer
Model 7806
Serial 14XXXXX
Size Men's
Material Gold Cap Stainless Steel
Dial Glossy Black Gilt "Twin Jets"
Millimeters 41
Strap 2pc Leather Strap

CASE & BRACELET

The crisp and well-preserved gold cap case features light signs of use with minimal evidence of being previously polished. The rotating slide rule bezel retains crisp grooves and milling on the outside, with the inner slide rule portion of the bezel featuring a subtle warm color tone and the red accents fully present. The case retains its original pump pushers and Breitling-signed crown. The case back retains all of its original factory markings in crisp condition. The watch comes supplied on a 2-piece leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The beautiful glossy black "Twin Jets" gilt dial is in excellent vintage condition, showing some elements of age and light marks, with the mirror-finish of the black lacquer remaining fully intact. The silver sub-dials remain very clean with no notable age present. The tritium hour markers have aged to a dark olive green color. When inspected under UV light, there is some minor cracking in the surface of the lume markers, but no actual lume loss is present. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and exhibit no degradation when inspected under UV light.

ACCESSORIES

None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.